When trying predict year-to-year performance in college football, one of the most talked about factors is a team's schedule. Of course, paramount will always be the team's actual on-field improvement, but in a 12-game season, and with the wide range of opposition quality throughout college football, a schedule really can make a big difference.
And unlike in college basketball, where an easy schedule isn't necessarily better -- the NCAA Tournament committee heavily factors in strength of schedule -- it certainly is in college football. Unless a team is in contention for the College Football Playoff, there are no ramifications for a schedule full of cupcakes and directional schools.